WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR VISA OPTIONS?

• The most popular visa is the Accredited Employer Work Visa, all age groups can apply for this visa and you can stay for up to 3 years​. The cost for this visa is NZD $750 and you will need your NZ OT registration and a job offer before you can apply.

• The Working Holiday Visa is also an option for certain age groups/passport holders, this visa allows you to work for 12 months, but it can be less preferred by some employers as you cannot accept a permanent position on this visa. The fee for 12 months is NZD $450, you also need to have NZD $350 in savings for every month you intend to stay and enough money for a return ticket. UK passport holders are eligible for x3 WHV's. 

• As OT is currently on the Green List, you can also have a look at the Straight to Residency Visa

• Medical/Police Checks can be required for all visas over 12 months 

• As employers can have a preference for different visas, we advise you to wait until you have your registration and are at the interview stage to apply for your visa. 

HOW DO I GET REGISTERED? 

• Abridged/express pathway is available for those who completed their OT degree in the UK/Ireland/Canada AND are registered with the relevant board e.g. HCPC/CORU/Canadian regulatory board - the application involves:

• • Cultural course​

  • References (1 OT, 2 character)

  • ID/qualification documents 

  • Police check(s) + CV

• You will be able to talk to a UK healthcare professional who has been in your situation and will help you throughout the registration process - including free guides and unlimited phone/email support

• We would suggest you allow for 3.5 months if you go through the abridged pathway although it could be much quicker!

• For those not eligible for the abridged pathway, the application is the same as above PLUS a self-appraisal to demonstrate how to meet NZ competencies and providing your university curriculum - we would suggest you allow for 5 months 

HOW MUCH WILL THIS COST?

• The main fees you need to be aware of are for your Visa (above) and transferring your OT license which is NZD $1188 + an Annual Fee of NZD $500 (some private companies will cover the annual fee)

• We will secure you a full-time role for when you arrive which can range from NZD $55-85k.

• The service we provide is completely free for those that would like to be placed in a role with one of our partners

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I START THE PROCESS?

• ​Allowing for around 6-7 months would be ideal (abridged pathway) or 8-9 months (standard pathway)

  • The NZ abridged OT registration application can take 3.5 months in total, the standard pathway can take up to 5 months 

• Once your registration has been approved, we find 3-4 months is an ideal timeframe for the next steps - securing a role/visa, handing in your notice, and getting organised to leave!

HOW DO I INTERVIEW AND SECURE A ROLE?

• We are very well connected to employers throughout NZ and once you have gained your OT NZ registration, we will arrange interviews for you. We have fantastic opportunities available and you can expect us to arrange suitable interviews for you within around 1-3 weeks after gaining your registration.  

DO YOU HAVE POSITIONS AVAILABLE FOR OT'S WITH LESS THAN 2 YEARS EXPERIENCE?

• The roles that can be more flexible with experience required are the ACC roles, we would still suggest you have at least 1 year experience before you make the move to gain confidence/save up etc.

• Neuro, Paeds, Health Boards usually look for at least 2 years relevant experience 

HOW WILL I GET SET UP/ WHAT ABOUT ACCOMMODATION?

• Once you have secured a role we can introduce you to other healthcare workers that may be working in the same location and advise you on everything you need to know about moving to New Zealand, we are also always available before you leave/ when you arrive if you have any questions about the move.

WHAT LOCATIONS DO YOU HAVE AVAILABLE?

• We have locations available throughout NZ! Some of the popular places are:

  • City lovers - Auckland + Wellington

  • Beach lovers - Tauranga + Hawkes Bay

  • Mountain/Adventure lovers - Christchurch + Dunedin + Queenstown

• Once you have your NZ OT registration approved, we can help you choose a location which is a good fit for you -  we can also provide you with location guides

• We are passionate about you having the BEST experience and we have travelled NZ so we can help you choose the best fit!

WHY NEW ZEALAND?

• THE PEOPLE! New Zealanders are very welcoming and approachable so you are made to feel at home very quickly.

• The standard of OT is very high in New Zealand allowing you develop lots of transferable skills

• THE SCENERY! There are lots of amazing travel opportunities from beaches to mountains and everything is very accessible allowing you to explore lots of New Zealand

• New Zealand would suit those who enjoy a relaxed life and outdoor activities

WHY HEALTHCARE ABROAD?

• We offer unbeatable support from the first day you contact us and then throughout the whole process to work abroad, including:

• Supporting you throughout the registration/license process including free guides and unlimited email/phone support

• Helping you decide on the most suitable visa, job role and location by a friendly team you can trust

• Organizing you interviews with our partners, helping you secure a role before you leave

• Providing you with everything you need to know about moving to your new country

• Introducing you to other Healthcare Abroad OT/PT/SLT's that are working in the same location as you

• Continue to be a point of contact for any questions while you are away

• Please note we can only provide this support service for those that would like to be placed in a role with one of our partners